The Nusayriyyah and ‘Alawiyyah

Question: We hear a lot about a group called Nusayriyyah and ‘Alawiyyah – so who are they, and why are they called so?

Response: They are a group of extremist Shee’ah [Raafidhah] who believe in the divinity of [the companion] ‘Alee (radhi-yAllaah ‘anhu); they believe that ‘Alee is god, and worship him. We seek protection in Allaah [from such abhorrent beliefs].